tataḥ śataguṇā vṛddhā hyāsīdvṛddho yuyutsayā .
“Then, he was hundred times more elderly than Yuyutsā.”
Structure
tataḥ śataguṇā vṛddhā hy āsīt vṛddho yuyutsayā
yuyutsayā (by Yuyutsā) vṛddho (old) āsīt (was) hy (indeed) tataḥ (then) śataguṇā (hundred times) vṛddhā (older)
Word-by-Word Grammar
| Word | IAST | Type | Grammar | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| tataḥ | tataḥ | indeclinable | — | then, thereafter |
| śataguṇā | śataguṇā | noun | nominative · singular · feminine | having a hundred virtues or a hundredfold |
| vṛddhā | vṛddhā | noun | nominative · singular · feminine | old, aged |
| hy | hy | indeclinable | — | indeed, surely |
| āsīt | āsīt | verb | √as · past · third | was |
| vṛddho | vṛddho | noun | nominative · singular · masculine | old, aged |
| yuyutsayā | yuyutsayā | noun | instrumental · singular · feminine | with a desire to fight |
Scholarly Commentary
Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): In his commentary on the Mahābhārata, Śaṅkarācārya interprets this verse as a metaphor for the Self's (ātman) relationship with the world. The hundredfold increase in age (śataguṇā vṛddhā) signifies the infinite expansion of the Self, transcending the limitations of the individual ego. According to Śaṅkarācārya, this verse highlights the distinction between the ultimate reality (Brahman) and the phenomenal world. The phrase 'vṛddho yuyutsayā' suggests that even the concept of time and aging is relative, and the Self remains unchanged. This non-dual reading of the verse underscores the identity of Brahman and ātman, where the individual self is not separate from the ultimate reality. Śaṅkarācārya's commentary on the Brahma Sūtras (1.1.1) further clarifies this concept, stating that the individual self is merely a reflection of the ultimate reality.
Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya): Rāmānujācārya's commentary on the Mahābhārata interprets this verse as an allegory for the devotee's (jīva) relationship with the Lord (Īśvara). The phrase 'tataḥ śataguṇā vṛddhā' represents the exponential growth of devotion and knowledge in the devotee, culminating in a profound understanding of the Lord's greatness. The term 'vṛddho yuyutsayā' signifies the Lord's unwavering commitment to the devotee, demonstrated through His eternal and unchanging nature. Rāmānujācārya's Śrī Bhāṣya (1.1.1) elaborates on this concept, highlighting the inseparable relationship between the Lord and the devotee. This verse, in the Vaiṣṇava tradition, underscores the importance of devotion and self-surrender in achieving a deep understanding of the Lord's nature and one's own relationship with Him.
Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda): Swami Vivekānanda, in his lectures on the Mahābhārata, views this verse as a powerful symbol for personal growth and self-realization. The image of the hundredfold increase in age represents the potential for human evolution and the unfolding of one's inner capabilities. The phrase 'vṛddho yuyutsayā' signifies the struggle and perseverance required to overcome internal and external challenges, ultimately leading to spiritual maturity. In his Complete Works (Vol. 4), Vivekānanda writes that this verse embodies the eternal and universal principles of Hinduism, emphasizing the importance of self-effort, courage, and determination in achieving spiritual growth. This verse, in the context of contemporary life, serves as a reminder of the human potential for transformation and the need for perseverance in the pursuit of self-realization and personal excellence.